An angel puppy (3B Lilian Tsang)

Brian lost his wife in a car accident. He was hopeless and moved to a small house in Japan where he and his wife encountered. Soon after he settled down in his new house, he found a tiny furry animal sleeping in his bed one night. It was a puppy with white and brown fur. It woke up and looked at Brian right into his eyes as if it understood Brian’s sorrow. The next morning, Brian fed the puppy with some milk and meat. He gave it the name ‘Angel’ because it was like a little angel from heaven who came down to comfort him.

Every day when Brian came home from work, Angel would see him from far away at the hillside and ran down to greet him. It then followed Brian everywhere he went. The winter sun was warm and the sky was bright. It was just as warm as the days that his wife presented. Brian always sat outside of his house and read. Angel liked to lie with its belly up on the ground, tossing and turning at this time because it wanted Brian to scratch its belly. Brian would then scratch its furry white belly with his left foot. He swore he could see Angel laughing.

Angel seemed to understand Brian well. When he was in a good mood, Angel would act cheerfully and playfully. However, when Brian had a bad day, the puppy would just sit by him quietly without making a noise. Sometimes Brian would talk to Angel about his wife. The puppy would sit there looking up at Brian’s eyes as if it was listening.

One night there was a fierce thunderstorm. Brian couldn’t sleep and thought about his wife. He realized that Angel helped him ease his pain. He got up and looked for Angel to see if it was all right. But Angel was nowhere to be found. The next morning when Brian didn’t see Angel sleeping by his pillow, he knew that it was gone forever. Perhaps Angel finished its duty to help a lost man and it was on its way to help someone else.

4A Chan Chun Yin

Lingnan University's English and Putonghua Immersion Camp (Who am I?)

The following two students have been selected to join the English and Putonghua Immersion Camp (Who am I?) organised by the Lingnan University:

• 4A HO MAN YING
• 4B CHAN KING HO

My favourite restaurant (2F Tsang Tsz Ching )

Dear Mr. Weakley, I want to tell you about my favourite restaurant.

I always go there with my parents. I like going there very much. It’s called Shang Hai Po Po and it has Chinese food. I go there only for special occasions like birthdays or festival days because the restaurant’s food is so expensive!

This restaurant is a type of Chinese restaurant. It already shows what dishes serve us, Shanghai food. The area is quite big. The environment is clean and tidy. It also comforts me by its graceful odour and smell. It makes me wake up from daydreaming.

The food in there is delicious and juicy. There are various kinds of Shanghai food. For example, fried fish, “xiao long bao’, steam pork, grilled chicken wings, dim sum and so on. I especially like “xian long bao” because we can even drink the soup inside. Also, it is the traditional food in Shanghai. I love beef noodles very much. Its soup is very spicy. The noodles are long and chewy. It tastes wonderful.

The drinks are also unique. The best is some ginger-lemon-coca-cola. It is so great! It tastes sweet and spicy. It can make me feel attracted and attentive to my working.

The service in this restaurant is also bravo and excellent. The waiter asks us “What do you want” actively and politely. Also, when we pay our bill, they say “thank you” and “welcome to come back” in a friendly way. They make me enjoy their active, nice attitude towards customers.

Because of its great dishes, special drinks and polite service, I like this restaurant very much.

When my birthday comes, I will ask my parents “Can we go to Shanghai Po Po?”

Is fashion a waste of time and money? (3A Wong Yiu Man, Yonnie)

        Many teenage girls like reading fashion magazines. They read fashion magazines because they want to have a fashionable look. However, some people think fashion is not important, they think fashion is just a waste of time and money. Fashion can be essential to us given the reasons below.

        First of all, fashion is important because it makes us look chic and stylish. When we are wearing trendy, edgy clothes, we will look smart naturally. When you look at the mirror and see your beautiful looks, you will feel confident and happy all day. On the contrary, if you wear dirty clothes and look at the mirror, you would feel bad because you are not satisfied with your looks. Consequently, fashion is very important and it can affect your self-confidence and self-esteem.

        Secondly, cheap clothes can make a nice style too. Many people have a wrong sense that only popular fashion brands, such as Prada, Gucci and so forth can make a person looks fashionable. Actually cheap clothes can make us look stylish as long as we follow the trend. For example, it is not difficult to find vintage, flowery items in some local boutiques. The items they sold are certainly affordable for many shoppers. Therefore, following the fashion trend is not necessarily a waste of time and money.

        We can also be stylish by doing mix and match. That means using just a few different accessories can make you look different. You just need to buy some versatile items then you can give yourself a fresh look in just a minute. So, we can make ourselves trendy without wasting too much time.

        In a nutshell, fashion is important because it can bring us confidence .Also, cheap clothes can be trendy. The most important thing is – you don’t need to waste time and money to buy so many cheap items. As long As you know the technique of ‘mix & match’, you can make yourself chic and smart every day.

Be an honest Makopanian

Good morning everybody! Today is the beginning of the learning period of honesty. It’s my pleasure to talk about this topic. The third president of the United States Thomas Jefferson said that ‘Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.’ And William Shakespeare says, ‘Honesty is the best policy. If you lose your honor, you lose your life’. What is honesty or being honest and how important is it? According to the Longman Dictionary, someone with an honest character always tells the truth and does not cheat or steal. When he speaks, he does not hide the truth or facts about something. He speaks what he really thinks. Perhaps let me tell you two stores to illustrate the importance of honesty.

 

Firstly let’s look at the American marathon runner, Rosie Ruiz . She was not famous and it was her first time to take part in this well-known Marathon held in Boston in 1980. Rosie Ruiz, whose legs were flabby, was the first woman runner to cross the finish line in the Boston Marathon. Her victory was stunning as nobody seemed to know her and see her on the way. It was incredible ! Eventually , the truth came to light. It was reported that she was seen jump into the race during its final half-mile. Apparently, she cheated by simply sprinting to the finish line without running the entire race. Yet, the sad thing is she did not admit her wrongdoing. She not only lied to others but also to herself. Her dishonesty spoiled the meaning of sport and the spirit of Marathon. Her integrity was at stake.

Another sad story happened in Tuen Mun, Hong Kong. A student in my class did not like studying and once he played truant, giving me an excuse that he had to rush to China for an urgent family affair. When asked to produce the travel document, he altered the date printed in his Home Return Permit in order to go unpunished. His lie had nearly led him to a criminal offence had the school not spared him.

A few years after he left school, he would like to join the Police Force of Hong Kong. Yet, sadly, because of his dishonest record in the school, he was disqualified from the application. His dream was never fulfilled. What a shame! Dear students, if you decide not to be honest, think of the consequences. They can be disasters like the Rosie Ruiz scandal and my student’s trouble. Furthermore, look at the people around us and in the society. It’s not uncommon to see dishonesty bring destructions to family, relationships, business and career prospect.

Very often, we are tempted to tell lies or do things not following the rules so that we can avoid trouble or gain personal benefits.  Human values are ever changing, but God’s word never changes. In the Bible, He reminds us that we must be honest and faithful. As a result we gain love both from man and God. Are these your concerns which stop you from being an honest student?

My friends are doing something bad. If I point out their wrongdoings or report them to the teacher, they might stop being friends with me. I am a subject monitor or monitress or academic ambassador, I struggle whether or not I should circle my best friend who fails to hand in his homework
 
You are worried about losing friendship or acts of revenge . God understands our weaknesses. He taught us in Prov 24:26, ‘ An honest answer is the sign of true friendship.’ You will win your friend’s heart and respect if you tell the truth with love. God promised that he would protect and help us. ‘For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.’ (2 Chronicles 16:9).  He also taught us the right things to do. ‘These are the things you are to do; speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts.’ (Zechariah 8:16). Remember to have His blessings which are much better than those short-term benefits of the world as God also promised us in Proverbs 28:20 ‘A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.’

You might ask me a question: what should I do in my daily life to be an honest Makopanion? Here is a checklist for you to observe.

誠實Truthfulness
而非欺騙Deception
誠實是用生命與言語，傳達真實又準確的事

You are being honest when you ...

• Do your own homework
• Tell a friend the truth
• Explain the real reason you didn't turn in your homework
• Keep your eyes on your own test/exam paper
• Give the cashier the extra money she gave you by mistake
• Write a report /project in your own words instead of copying
• Admit you made the mistake and say ‘sorry’
• Keep a friend's secret
• Perform your duty wholeheartedly

·         Turn in a wallet full of money that you found 

 說一次謊，就像在品格的牆上釘了個釘子，再說實話，釘子可以移除，但是釘痕仍在。

This list can be endless and inexhaustive. It’s best for us to turn to our Lord for His guidance. In Philippians 4:8, He says:

‘Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.’

God’s standard is high and being honest at all times seems impossible. But with God, nothing is impossible. Just pray and pray for His wisdom and strength to walk with you day by day, and you will be abundantly blessed.
每一個謊言都是捆綁我們鎖鏈的另一環節，唯說出事實，才能使我們自由。「你們必曉得真理，真理必叫你們得以自由。」(約翰福音8:32)

The Secret Garden (4B Lee Wing Chak)

           I was there in a misery. I lost my way. No one knows where there was.
 
           The deep mid-night concealed most part of the mysterious moon. It was hiding. It was smiling. It lit the trees on the side and the grasses on the floor. I was walking on a path, wandering, with an unknown destination.

           Time seemed like a frozen river, never ever passed. I had reached a secret garden, deep beyond the dark.

 

           A blaze shone in front of me. More and more blazes shone. They came from the pistils of flowers, they flew like butterflies, they flew like lighting bugs. They twisted together and fleeeee ―― They exposed, as bright as fireworks.

          There were fluorescent flowers with a captivating purple, and wonderful spots on them. The flowers are ladies, standing in front of me, moving their bodies, attracting me to see. It has an unutterable, unique fragrance.

           I came near and touched on them. The miraculous journey began.

 

           My memories floated, a windstorm attacked my mind.

           “I love you.”

           “I hate you.”

           “This is war. Kill him!”

           “You will pay!”

           “Why are you being so ruthless, merciless?”

           “You don’t understand me!”

           What I had said, what I have heard, appeared once again.

           “God, help me! I am a bandit!”

           “What makes you hide yourself behind an evil?”

           I fell, I struggled. I mourned.

           “I believe this is the right decision.”

           “Never give up hope, my friend”

           “Son, never lose your faith.”

           “My love one, I am sure you know what is LOVE, even…”

           “kill her, kill her.”

           “You never understand me!”

           “I was wrong.”

           “What do I have, through the years, what is my purpose of life.”

           The blazes shown again, much more than the last time, the trees are monster, with terrible shadows. The moon has sunk the blazes become increasingly bright and glorious. They surrounded me. We became one source of light. I was inside of it. It was the first colour of flame. Then gold, then pale blue like the sky, then bright white, brighter than ever, purer than ever.

 

           “Come back to me, my dear son!” Spoken by the light.

           It was daytime! Sunlight soaked through the garden. All things were bright and beautiful, as wonderful as ever. The garden was living, with real butterfly flying. Birds were singing to me.

           I walked along the path I had come, it then disappeared. I could not find the way back to the garden, my secret garden.

            “Welcome back, sweetheart!” I was at my home with my family, how blissful am I!

           My secret garden, where I lost, where I was found.

Newspaper Reading Report (4C Hannah Lam)

Two women, with different talents, died last week.

Date: 15/2/2012

Source: Standard Net

Summary
Two women with different talents died last week. They are Whitney Houston and Jill Kinmont Boothe. Whitney Houston is remembered as one of the best female singers in history. Her songs were wonderful and attractive. She won so many competitions.

She provided the inspiration for the 1988 summer Olympics with the song,
‘One moment in time’This song was very familiar to everyone. She had a good voice that captured people’s heart.

Unfortunately, she died because her choices had gone a different direction and she questioned her marriage to Bobby Brown, and her subsequent pattern of drug addiction.

In contrast to Whitney’s glamorous success, Jill Kinmont Boothe ended up with a lifelong disability. She is the victim of a near-fatal skiing accident in 1955.

However, she did not give up herself. Instead, she tried hard to fight for the right of becoming a teacher. She got her degree and taught for many years. She was a good teacher that usually with students who needed remedial instructions. She also excelled at using her shoulder and neck muscles to paint. Every student loved her. As a paraplegic for 19 years, with many discomfort days, she chose to emphasize the positive.

Comments

I think these two women are truly different. Houston was a good singer and she won a lot of competitions. She had a bravo voice which could sing many beautiful songs. But unluckily, she walked a wrong way which led her to destruction. I think it is not so important to be famous in everyone’s heart. The most important thing is we must treasure our lives which nothing can buy even though Houston had so much money. Taking drugs and failed marriage led her to collapse. There is no chance for her to stand on the stage again.

On the other hand,I really admire Boothe. She never gave up despite her disability. She did not have a complete body, but she has a complete heart which cannot be found in Houston. Boothe chose to face the challenges. She was optimistic and positive. She said,‘My life has really been very full. ’She treasured her life, which was a life of quality with lots of wonderful experiences.

God gave different talents to all Makopanians. Everyone can have a fruitful life like Boothe. We do not need to admire others because everyone is different. You can choose a good way and you will see the rainbow of your life.

3D (19) Tsoi Kwun Wing

In the Middle Age, there was a little, weak girl named Violet. She was born in an extremely impoverished family. She lived in a crowded, small and chaotic house with her father and elder sister. Actually, her childhood wasn’t pleasant. Her mother died when Violet was five. After this event, her father became intemperate. He always mistreated Violet and her sister, Kathy after drinking wine. The siblings hated her father a lot. They decided to leave this fearful man.

Violet was nine and Kathy was sixteen. They ran away from their home silently one day. And they left successfully. ‘Sis, what should we go now?’ asked Violet. ‘I have no idea,’ Kathy replied sullenly, ‘maybe go to the town and find some jobs first.’ Then they went to the town.

They passed a forest, passed a lake, passed a grassland and passed a hill, but they still hadn’t arrived a town. ‘Please … please give me some food … I’m starving …’ abruptly the siblings heard a voice. Violet went on and saw a woman sitting near a tree. ‘She seems to be very hungry,’ Violet said to Kathy with a low voice. ‘It’s none of our business, Violet!’ Kathy roared, ‘let’s continue our journey.’ Violet ignored her order. She took out one piece of bread and gave the woman with a smiling face. The woman stared at Violet. Thank you! My dear caring little girl! You have saved my life!’ The woman felt grateful.

‘You stupid girl ……’ Kathy shouted, ‘We only have two pieces of bread!’ Violet shook her head. ‘I won’t eat the only bread which belongs to you, sister,’ Violet said.

They walked and walked. The sunset ended. ‘It is very dark!’ Kathy stunned. ‘Where can we go now?’ Violet asked. Suddenly it started to rain.

‘Sister, there is not any place for us to hide in this forest!’ Violet said anxiously.

Suddenly, they saw a light. A beautiful woman was sparkling.

‘I’m Sally the fairy. Actually the woman you saw this morning is my pretence. I’m going to reward you three wishes. Say your wish now!’ the fairy said. The siblings were astonished. ‘What? Is it true? A fairy?’ Kathy doubted, but she tried it. ‘I want a wealthy and healthy life forever! Can you?’ Kathy asked carefully. ‘No problem! It’s easy!’ Sally the fairy then made a magic.

‘Boos!!!!’

‘Where are we?’ Violet was thinking.

They were in a big, big house with valuable furniture and a lot of servants!!! ‘Wow! It’s true! I’m not dreaming!’ Kathy shouted excitedly. ‘Violet! Take off these disgusting shoes! I’m going to dress a beautiful dress!’ Kathy threw out the shoes and went in the bedroom.

‘So … how about the second wish?’ The fairy asked Violet. Meanwhile, Kathy ran out at once and said, ‘I want to meet the most handsome prince in this country, and dance with him! It is impossible, isn’t it?’ Kathy laughed. ‘No problem!’ Sally the fairy made a magic again.

Kathy’s dream came true.

‘And, how about the final wish?’ the fairy asked.

‘I want ……’ Kathy said excitedly. ‘Sister!’ Violet claimed, ‘I have not made any wish yet!’ ‘Who cares?’

Kathy yawned, ‘You are my sister! I’m older than you. You have no wish! They are mine!’ Kathy pointed at her nose and said.

‘I want to become the princess!’ Kathy said.

‘No way! I won’t make it come true! And I’m going to take away the wishes you made. You are greedy and selfish!’ the fairy shouted.

Abruptly, all the wealthy things, the big house disappeared.

‘Violet, now I give you three wishes, only for you!’ The fairy said.

‘Dear Sally, I just want ONE wish,’ Violet replied, ‘I want my mother back. I want to live with her peacefully. No nervousness and worries forever.’

‘But … your mother was dead ……’ the fairy said.

‘I had no time to love her before. I want to love her forever and it is my responsibility to love her ……’ Violet cried.

Violet touched Sally. ‘OK! No problem!’ The fairy smiled. Sally the fairy went to find God immediately and told God this story.

‘OK. Let it come true!’ God allowed Violet’s mother to live again. He was touched too.

Finally, Violet saw her mother again. They lived in a normal house peacefully and warmly.

SCOLAR's Programme (How to Become an Actor)

The following six students have been selected to join the programme (How to Become an Actor) organised by SCOLAR:

• 2B 14 YEUNG HOI TING
• 1A 18 WONG CHEUK YIU
• 2B 08 LEUNG HOI KI
• 3B 25 LAM HEI LONG
• 3C 29 KUNG YIN HONG
• 3D 01 CHAN SZE KI

A Review (4E Peter Poon)

Tony Melendez is a Christian musician, and he is very special. Tony Melendez, a Nicaraguan American, was born on September 15, 1987. He was born without arms because his mother was prescribed thalidomide, a drug used to help calm morning sickness during her pregnancy. Although he is a disabled person, he loves God. He has not given up and he has a dream instead. He likes music very much and his dream is to become a musician. He learned to use his toes to play the guitar. He has written and performed a touching song entitled “Never Be the Same”. It was an appropriate song, for those few moments, changing his life, and brought his unrestrained abilities as a guitarist into national attention. Currently, he resides in Branson Missouri with his wife and children. He said that he would share all of the memories with his children. He will keep singing and continue to share his life and keep making music for all who will listen. I think Tony’s life is truly amazing! A man who can play the guitar without arms, and his music has changed many people’s lives! He taught me a lesson that we should give thanks to God for His blessing on us. We lack nothing and we should have a grateful heart and should never take this for granted!

SCOLAR's Fashion Guru Programme

The following student has been selected to join the Fashion Guru Programme organised by SCOLAR:

5C Wong On Ching

Buying or Adopting Pets without consideration --- No way!! (5A Fiona Leung)

Many people love pets, especially at the time when they are still puppies or kitten, since they are very charming. People may buy one by themselves or some may think about giving them to others as gifts with no concern about the consequences seriously before taking action.

Pets may only be kept for a short period of time and abandoned in the end for having grown up and losing the lovely outfit. Some of them become too big that the owners do not have enough space to keep them home. Some of them may not be able to support them financially in particular for the medical fee or for some other reasons. They become strayed. To avoid these from happening, pet owners should know clearly what will happen if they choose to have a pet no matter by adoption or purchase.

First of all, to make sure you are giving the gift to the right person, you need to ask the one if s/he loves pets. If they do not love so, how would they suppose to take care of pets for a life-time! Analyzing with them the potential problems of keeping pets is essential before making your final decision. Financial support, time spent on them, provision of a spacious environment and being patience when they give you lots of trouble are all of your concern.

Financial capability is the most significant one among these. The owners need to spend a considerable sum of money on buying food, daily products and toys for pets. They need to take pets to vet when they are sick in which the medical expenses can be very great. At this time, the owners need to take intensive care of them. They are not recommended to keep one if they cannot promise to do so.

On the other hand, different types of pets demand differently the space they need. For big dogs like German Shepherds, they have to be walked every day. They need daily exercise to keep themselves healthy. It is time-consuming yet it seems to be a routine work. Pet owners also need to clean up the drop-off of the pets. It is a disgusting duty though. When you are planning to adopt or buy a pet, you must be prepared to carry out these basic duties.

In conclusion, do think twice before having pets, regardless the way you own them, gifts from friends, buying from pet shops or adopting from charity pet organizations, because keeping pets is always a hard job. If people think thoroughly beforehand, there will be no more abandoned pets in the streets.

My Ideal Job (5C Yam Hoi Ching)

If you ask me, “What is your ideal job?”, I will definitely say that “A tour guide!”. “A tour guide? It is quite a low-income and exhausting career.”

Many people’s ideal jobs are those which can get high income, comfortable working environment such as CEO, managers of company, clerks etc. But for me, I think my interest and enjoyment are much more important than money and comfortable working condition. So I choose tour guide to be my ideal job.

The main duty of tour guides is to make arrangement of air-ticket, arrange the itinerary for the tourists, book hotel for them and book restaurant for their meals. In addition, we need to follow the tourists and satisfied their needs and their wants. The duty of tour guide is important in a trip. It is affecting the whole journey of the tourists. I think I can handle these jobs well.

But why would I like to be a tour guide? It is because of my personality and my dream. Firstly, I am an outgoing, talkative and independent person. Indoor works and activities are not suitable for me. I think it is quite boring actually. As I am talkative, I am fond of chatting with people continuously. For a tour guide, I can talk to the tourists, so I won’t suffer from boredom. Also, I am independent, so I don’t need to be taken care by the others. I can handle everything well.

Secondly, my dream is to travel all around the world. If I am a tour guide, I could be able to travel all around the world free of charge, and with payment back. It sounds attractive.

The country I want to visit the most is Australia. There are some animal species that are unique in their country, such as koala and kangaroo. Also, I want to visit Sydney Opera House. It is exceedingly beautiful when I first saw it in postcard.

Another country I want to visit is Thailand. It is famous for its spicy food and beautiful scenery. The beach and sunshine are what I value most. There are many islands in Thailand. So, I can do my favourite sports like swimming there.

Finally, I can speak different language fluently. And this helped me communicate with the local people in different countries. I can speak Chinese, English, Putonghua, Japanese, Spanish etc. And these criteria allow me to go to different country and chat with local people.

After my explanation, don’t you think that being a tour guide is an ideal job? Do you want to be a tour guide too?

An email of advice

Dear Molly,

Thanks for your letter. I am sorry to hear about your news. I know that you’re still unemployed, don’t be upset. I have some suggestions for you. The suggestions can help you increase the chances of finding work.

There are three suggestions to you. The first one is joining more voluntary work. I know you have no experience in working, but many companies in Hong Kong always hire people who have experience in working, so it would be better to join some voluntary work. You can join the work with your partner and try to experience what working is. After finishing the first job, you may know more about what working is about and prepare yourself to work in the future.

The second suggestion is that you should join more different workshops to learn more skills. You can join some workshops like computer workshop. I know you want to find a job which works in office, so I think you can join a computer workshop to improve your computer skills. Also, while you join the workshop, you can also improve your interpersonal skills, because you will have the chance to work with others.

The last suggestion is that you may improve your CV. You can join some workshops and more voluntary work to improve your qualifications. Your CV should be well-organized because the employer would see your CV to decide whether you are employed or not. So, I would like to suggest you to check your CV again.

I hope these suggestions can really help you. Don’t be disappointed and never give up, my friend. I will always stand by you. Please let be know how your employment goes.

Best wishes,
Pat

The Nativity Story Crossword

Across
1. Another word for happiness.
3. The empire that controlled Bethlehem.
5. How many wise men were there?
6. The town where Jesus was born.
8. A messenger of God.
9. What the wise men followed to Bethlehem.
11. What Mary rode.

Down
1. Mary's husband.
2. A person who raises sheep.
4. The bed where Jesus slept.
7. Jesus' mother.
10. What Joseph had to pay.

FINISH THE CROSSWORD AND GET A PRIZE
CHRISTMAS ENGLISH DAY : COME TO THE HALL AT 1: 30 PM
LOADS OF CHRISTMAS GAMES ARE WAITING FOR YOU!

Drama Appreciation - Lady Windermere's Fan (PolyU)

The following 28 S4 & S5 students have been selected to join the drama show - Lady Windermere's Fan at PolyU on 17 February:

1 5A 15 CHENG PAK YU
2 5C 11 HO TSZ HIN JANINE
3 5B 05 CHENG TSZ WING
4 5B 01 CHAN HO YING
5 4D 07 LAM HOK YEE
6 5D 12 NG CHUI YU
7 5D 28 LEE YIU SHING
8 4B 36 LEUNG CHI KIU
9 5A 01 CHAN SIN TUNG
10 5A 07 LEUNG YUEN SIN
11 5A 04 FOK HAU CHING
12 5A 21 HO YU PANG
13 5A 31 MO KA HO
14 5A 05 HO CHIT YING
15 5A 02 CHAN TSZ WA
16 5E 13 LEUNG WING TUNG
17 5E 02 CHAN KA SIN
18 4B 35 LEE SING CHAK
19 4C 29 HEYWOOD LAU
20 4C 10 LEE HIU LAAM
21 4C 09 LAM TUNG CHING
22 4C 23 ZHANG WAN HUA
23 5C 01 CHAN KA LEE TINNY
24 4B 25 CHAN KING HO
25 4D 21 WONG LOK TING
26 5E 01 CHAN HO YING
27 5C 21 YAM HOI CHING
28 5A 23 LAI YU SUM

All students please remember to report to Ms. Ho at 5:45 p.m. at the canteen on 17 February.

5D NG PUI YEE, SAMMIE PEARL

You recently completed your summer job at Disneyland. The summer job was interesting from start to finish and you have learnt a lot from it. Write a letter to your sister in Canada describing your summer job, saying where you worked, giving the details of the job and describing your most memorable experiences there.

Dear Janet,

How do you do? I haven’t seen you for half a year, I miss you so much! However, I am not going to tell you about my school life, I want to tell you something about my summer job this year.

I have recently completed a summer job in Disneyland in this summer holiday. This job was great! It was very funny from the beginning till the end and I have learnt a lot which I can’t learn from my teachers.

I was a helper to help people who came to play. Many people asked me to help them take photos. Also, I have met a lot of people from other countries, so my English is improved by talking to them. Something you can’t believe there was a nice Japanese taught me to say Japanese to thank for my help on my last day in Disneyland.

The most memorable thing in Disneyland was about a little girl. She lost her way and she could not find her parents. When I saw her, she was crying and sitting on the floor. I brought her to our Helping Centre and asked an officer for help. Her parents came to her after half an hour, the little girl gave me a chocolate to give thanks to me. I was so happy to help her because she was the first one who needed my help at my work on the first day.

I must go to find another job after my exam next year. I want to work on more types of jobs to learn more techniques that can help me to communicate with different people or deal with different things in my future.

When will you be back to Hong Kong? I want to have a face to face chat with you. And I want to know about your live in Canada. Then, I will ask my father to go to Canada and find you.

Reply my letter or call me please. Hope you have a nice time in Canada. May God bless you.

Regards
Chris

Learning English through Sport Communication-One student, One sports team. (6A Law Yeung Yeung)

The recent proposal by the Sports Club that all students in our school should be required to join a sports team at school has aroused wide concern among students. Those people who are in favour of it opine that it is a good way to motivate students to do exercises regularly; those who stand on an entirely different ground conceive that it is an infringement of their human rights. Divergent as people’s views on this issue in question maybe, I am inclined to support this proposal.

First and foremost, it can encourage our students to exercise regularly. Our society has already been running out of motivation to do sports for a very long time, especially students! Our students, among hustle and bustle, do not have much spare time because of the heavy workload and the rapid pace of life. Even though they have some spare time, they prefer taking a rest in the bedroom or playing computer games to do exercise. Moreover, there is a serious shortage of sport facilities in our community. They lack the chances to exercise. All these are discouraging people from doing exercise.

Also accountable for this view is that sport is vitally important to every one’s health. It is undeniable that doing exercise is good for every individual’s health. Some significant health benefits such as building up better immune system and strengthening body functions are from time to time highlighted by health experts. Asking our students to join a sports team at school can probably benefit our students’ health a lot.

Another reason is that joining a sports team at school could also help to strengthen students’ team spirit. Most of the Sports Clubs in our school, ranging from the football team to swimming team, require students to cooperate and work together towards a common goal. Through team sports, teammates can nurture teamwork with each other by effectively communicating with teammates and a strong sense of belonging and team spirit is also developed. Apart from team spirit, most sports are done with others. It can also increase the chance of making more friends and enlarging our social circle.

Judging from the arguments presented above, I strongly subscribe to the idea that students in our school should be required to join a sport team. Nevertheless, in order to make the proposal acceptable to the wider school community, our school should have a comprehensive consultation on this issue before making the final decision.

Sex education should be a compulsory part of the secondary curriculum (6B Alex Luk)

Sex education imperative in secondary curriculum

'14-year-old girl being pregnant.’ ‘No sex education in secondary schools.’ In recent years, newspapers have been flooded with headlines as such. Not many years ago, the Hong Kong government also considers imposing sex education in the secondary school as a compulsory part. However, this can be a mixed blessing. Some are in favour of this notion because many teenagers nowadays seem to lack appropriate knowledge about sex. Despite this, in view of complex and hectic curriculum, whether sex education is made compulsory remains a big doubt. Both sides of the arguments are supported with sound reasons. It is worthwhile for us to examine why there is such a conflict and the following essay evaluates the pros and cons of it.

Imposing sex education compulsorily wastes time. It goes without saying that the new senior secondary curriculum is harsh due to the complicated, complex and bulky and content. More often than not, almost all teachers have to sacrifice their spare time to time students so as to tackle the public exam. Recent reports have stated, to many people’s surprise, that as many as 81 percent of secondary six students were extremely worried about their public exam on the grounds that not many of them have finished the whole curriculum. Therefore, they simply don’t have more time to be subjected to sex education.

Another argument against the imposition of sex education compulsorily is that it is useless to be done. I would like to raise a question. ‘Did our parents and teachers have lessons about sex education in their secondary schools?’ The answer is simply no. Consequently, the proposal seems to fail as human can learn sex education by themselves while growing up. Why can’t this new generation learn this by themselves?

However, whether imposing sex education compulsorily is a double-edged sword.

Nowadays, inappropriate information is more easily to teenagers owing to the advancement in technology. As we all know, teenagers are eager to explore themselves more in this stage. In addition, thanks to the rapid development in internet, most of us can easily get access to more information about sex. If they had received some pornographic photos or watches some uncensored videos, they development might have been adversely affected. Nevertheless, if they had received sex education in schools, they would have developed a sense that those messages are exactly wrong and then skipped those information.

Moreover, sex education not only includes physical aspect, but also includes mental and social aspect. As for the mental and social part, teens would learn how to get along with the others, especially with the opposite sex. What’s more, it also includes how to form a blissful family and play their roles. All these kinds of knowledge couldn’t be found in any subjects now. That’s why some suggest that sex education is imperative.

Judging from the arguments presented above, on balance, I am of the opinion that the advantages of imposing sex education compulsorily in secondary curriculum may offset some of the disadvantages. To put another way, students’ physical and mental developments are pivotal even reducing more time on studies. The government should not just look on with folded arms, instead, should give out more funds to schools to carry out sex education. There is an urgent need for the government to implement this in response to the growing youth problem arising from lack of sex-related knowledge.

Compensated Dating (6C Ng Kwok Ho)

Summary:

Compensated dating originated in Japan. It refers to the phenomenon that young girls accept money from men in exchange for their companionship. They seek patrons in forums by leaving personal information and some content of the dating. At least several hundred dollars can be earned in each dating. Therefore, it is a way to have extra income, but the risks are as much abundant. Since those girls face the strangers alone, those men may rob or kill the girls.

Comments:

For me, compensated dating must be banned as soon as possible. It is sad that those teenage girls say there are advantages behind compensated dating so they are engaged in the activity. Undoubtedly, disadvantages outweigh the advantages.

Ah Yan, one of the girls who was once engaged in compensated dating that she had to face a high risk because she might not be able to deal with a perverted customer and may be ill-treated or even killed as a result.

On the other hand, since sexual intercourse may be involved, girls may contract venereal disease. I believe it is really bad to be involved in compensated dating, girls should not take the risk to go on compensated dating.

To tackle this social problem, what parents should do is to pay more attention to the needs of their children’s financial status. They should find out the reasons why their children suddenly become rich. Our government may also monitor the chat rooms and forum in the Internet since most compensated girl seek their clients there.

However, the most effective solution is to help the girls think positively about themselves. They should reflect on the values of money. Besides, they have to find the correct way to face their loneliness. For example, they may chat with social workers or try more ways to make some friends in sports and music activities.

My Diary (6D Chiu Pui Fan)

Today when you went to the washroom at recess, you saw a group of Secondary 3 students smoking in the toilet. Write an entry in your diary describing what you saw, what you did and how you felt about the incident.


Dear diary

What will you do if you see a teenager smoking? Today, when I went to the washroom at recess, I saw a group of secondary 3 students smoking in the toilet.

At the first recess, Chris and I went to the toilet together. When we walked into it, I could smell and feel cigarette smoke all over the femal toilet. “Bang!” The door of a toilet stall was kicked and we were frightened by this big sound! Although we didn’t press our faces against the door of that toilet stall, we also could hear the girls, who were inside the toilet stall, called each other bad names and used foul language! We ignored them, it was because we were really scared! After a few minutes, when I wanted to go outside, the group of secondary 3 students came out from the toilet stall. I looked back to the girls. I saw one of them threw her cigarette on the floor, after, she got a new one out of the pack and lighted it up. I felt really angry! I told Chris, “Don’t let them go.” And I went to staff room to find. Mrs. Wong. Of course, Mrs. Wong caught them.

Honestly, I felt scared in this incident. However, I was more angry than afraid!

Although they weren’t taking drugs, smoking is harmful to health, it is a hard fact. Maybe, this group of girls thought “Smoking is my business!”, but we know, ciagrette smoking can affect the environment, such as the growth of plants and cause the global warming. Moreover, I think they should respect the feelings of others, secondhand smoke can harm non-smokers – other students. I think they learnt a lot of common sense in the biology lessons, inhaling secondhand smoke is more harmful than inhaling first-hand smoke! And smoking will bring the risk of lung cancer, gum disease, or effects women’s reproductive health.

By the way, I think the tennagers will not smoke cigarettes suddenly. Maybe, they were initating their parents or their favorite idols. Maybe, their friends encouraged them to smoke. Maybe, the teenagers had too much pressure. I think the parents and teachers play a central role in combating underage smoking. They should pay attention to students’ emotion, and help the teenagers to solve the problems or presssure. Futhermore, the celebrities are the public figures, I think they shouldn’t smoke and be a role model for young people.

Learn & Fill

Could the Internet be collapsed?

NSS English for Empowerment Course

The following 17 S4 & S5 students have been admitted to the NSS English for Empowerment Course after the interviews conducted on 1/12:

4A 6 HO MAN YING
4A 37 YAU TSZ FUNG
4B 13 NG TSZ YING
4B 36 LEUNG CHI KIU
4B 12 NG KEI YAN
4B 7 LAI HOI CHING
4B 6 CHUNG WING YIN
4B 18 TSE WAI YIN
5D 23 FAN HO YIN
4B 25 CHAN KING HO
5A 37 WAN CHI CHUN IAN
4B 38 LEUNG NOK HANG
5B 4 CHENG CHEE KWAN
5B 6 CHEUNG LOK HEI
4B 35 LEE SING CHAK
5A 7 LEUNG YUEN SIN
5C 3 CHENG HIU TUNG

All students please remember to report to your teacher, Ms. Leong, at 8:55 a.m. on 4/2, 11/2, 3/3, 10/3, 17/3, 24/3, 31/3, 21/4, 5/5 & 12/5. (The room(s) will be announced later.)

S2 Christmas English Enrichment Class

The following S2 students have been admitted to the Christmas English Enrichment Class:

2E 7 LEE KA HANG
2E 24 LEE YAT HIM
2B 24 TANG CHEUK TING
2B 14 YEUNG HOI TING
2C 3 CHAN YEE SUM
2C 8 LO LOK MING
2C 24 TO KIU FUNG
2C 25 TONG KING HANG
2F 5 LAM CHO YU
2D 19 LEUNG KA MING
2E 23 LEE HO LAM
2F 7 LEE HO YI
2F 17 CHEUNG TIN LONG
2C 22 NG SIU HANG
2D 4 CHOW TSE YAN
2F 8 LEUNG NOK TUNG

All students please remember to report to Rm 201 (Venue Updated) at 10:45 a.m. on 23/12, 28/12, 29/12 & 30/12.

S1 Christmas English Enrichment Class

The following S1 students have been admitted to the Christmas English Enrichment Class:

1B 8 FUNG WAN HEI
1A 7 LAU YAN CHING
1A 21 CHEUNG HIU YEUNG
1A 29 TO WAI TSUN
1B 31 WONG MAN KIT
1A 18 WONG CHEUK YIU
1C 11 LI CHING WAI
1C 21 AU YEUNG KAI TIK
1A 13 NG YEE SUM
1C 6 CHOI SUNG YIU
1B 33 WU MAN HON
1C 32 TONG HO WANG
1A 8 LAU YUET CHING
1B 9 HO HIU MAN

All students please remember to report to Rm 201 (Venue Updated) at 8:55 a.m. on 23/12, 28/12, 29/12 & 30/12.

High-speed Train Accident in China (6A Au Ka Ho)

Comment:
It seemed that it was an accident. Actually, after the accident there was another story. In fact, I here express my sadness about the accident happened, but more sadly was that in order to ensure the high-speed train could work as soon as possible, the Chinese government disregarded human life. The work of searching and rescuing still had not been finished yet, but the government just stopped the action. That’s very inhumane.
Prime Minister Wen Ka Po always says that our country is human-centred, but how about now? Saying one thing and doing another. So how can we trust our country with this irresponsible action? Of course not!
However, there was a piece of news that’s good for the relatives of the victims in this event. That’s the first compensation deal which has been struck between authorities and relatives of victims. Although it is better to get back the lives of the victims rather than money, we knew that it is impossible. A little is better than none. I hope that the relatives of the victims can accept the compensation and live their lives to the fullest.
We always encounter many kinds of difficulties in life. Some people would like to end their lives while some people want to look at the bright side. We should face any kinds of problems optimistically so that we could have a positive life.

English Speaking Course (1st Cohort)

The following students have been admitted to the English Speaking Course (1st Cohort):

5 December (4 p.m. - 5 p.m.)

- Tong Ho Wang (1C)
- Yeung Hoi Ting (2B)

12 December (4 p.m. - 5 p.m.)

- Lau Yan Ching (1A)

19 December (4 p.m. - 5 p.m.)

- Lam Yik Lai Austin (4A)
- Ng Kei Yan (4B)

All students please remember to report to Ms. Sue Leong at Rm G11.

Interviews for Applicants for the NSS English for Empowerment Course

The following students are invited to attend selection interviews on 1/12 as stated in the letters to their parents. The details are as follows:

(Class - Student No. - Name - Arrival Time - Room)

1 4A 6 HO MAN YING 3:50 G14
2 4A 37 YAU TSZ FUNG 3:55 G14
3 4B 11 MAK NGO CHING 4:00 G14
4 4B 13 NG TSZ YING 4:05 G14
5 4B 36 LEUNG CHI KIU 4:10 G14
6 4B 12 NG KEI YAN 4:15 G14
7 4B 7 LAI HOI CHING 4:20 G14
8 4B 6 CHUNG WING YIN 4:25 G14
9 4B 18 TSE WAI YIN 4:30 G14
10 5D 23 FAN HO YIN 4:35 G14
11 4B 25 CHAN KING HO 4:40 G14
12 5A 37 WAN CHI CHUN IAN 4:45 G14
13 4A 25 LAM YIK LAI 4:50 G14
14 4B 38 LEUNG NOK HANG 4:55 G14
15 5B 4 CHENG CHEE KWAN 5:00 G14
16 5B 6 CHEUNG LOK HEI 5:05 G14
17 4B 35 LEE SING CHAK 5:10 G14
18 5A 7 LEUNG YUEN SIN 5:15 G14
19 5C 3 Yim Choi Hung 5:20 G14

Students should arrive at Rm. G14 on time and inform their parents of the interviews. If they fail to attend the interviews, they will not be able to join the course. They may contact Mr. Kung Chun Kei if they have any enquiries.

Food for Thought (6E Leung Wing Yee & 6E Lau Ka Yee)

(1) News Article: Gaddafi Loyalists Fight to the End
Leung Wing Yee (6E)

Summary:
This article is about the civil war happened in Libya. Till now, the rebels claimed to be in control of most of Tripoli after a lightning advance on the capital and the declaration of the end of Muammar Gaddafi’s rule. The rebels went out to celebrate their victory and the alliance promised to maintain its air campaign until all pro-Gaddafi forces surrender or return to barracks.

Comments:
No matter which side “wins” finally, it’s totally a tragedy. This rebellion has lasted for months. Many people including civilian soldiers and rebels died in this civil war. This cost is too high. Nothing can be more valuable than life.

I remembered the beginning of the war was just a civil war between the Gaddafi’s government and the rebels. But finally, it became an “international” war. The alliance blamed Gaddafi for his armed suppression and used this as an excuse to intervene militarily. The rebels might think they had got a helping hand but actually, the alliance created a mess for Libyan people. None of the two sides wanted to give in. They just couldn’t work out the solution and could only fight each other. Without any doubts, the air strike of the alliance has aggravated the clash between two sides. Although the suppression by Gaddafi was absolutely wrong, how about the alliance’s air strike? They even used the excuse of tracking down Gaddafi to provide arms for the rebels. Although it might be difficult, why didn’t they solve the problem in a peaceful way? At least, they should try their best to do so. It’s always not easy to be a peacemaker. I hope the alliance would finally help the Libyan people by ending the conflict peacefully. A helping hand instead of bombs should be given to the people.



(2) News Article: The Earthquake in Japan
Lau Ka Yee (6E)

Summary:

After the earthquake stuck Japan, a lot of victims have been suffering from the pain of losing their families and homes. Besides, there are so many people who want to show their support for the people in Japan. Some of them found a way to do so by folding origami paper cranes. Paper cranes mean good luck, happiness and peace in Japan.

Comments:

Hong Kong is really a lucky place with not many natural disasters. Now, Japan is suffering from a disaster. The Japanese need our help to overcome the problems caused by the earthquake. Some of the Hong Kong people will donate money to help the victims or even go to the disaster zone and help to rebuild the houses. Yet, perhaps the most important thing is that we will try to help them by all means. Though we may not go to Japan but our hearts are with the Japanese. We can do some things that encourage them to be strong. If you are thoughtful enough, you can do some things for them like writing them letters and cards. They can feel your love and care.

Writing (7A Tang Chin Ching, Rachel)

Elderly people are our beloved friends in our society. In the bygones days, contributing to the world, these senior citizens are worth enjoying their blomming lives in retirement. Nowadays, however, disheartening experiences are faced; solitary elders and inadequate welfare are the most lamentable phenomenon in this society.

“Solitary elders” the elders who live alone without any help or concern from their relatives. This distressing problem is induced by the indifference of the elders’ children. Looking after their parents is the fundamental responsibility. These people, however, evade this duty which should be shouldered by themselves deservedly. Some of them consider living with the elderly as a heavy burden which is very annoying. It may be regarded as a waste of money in some unfiliar child’s eyes. Shan Shui Po, an epicentric of solitary elders revealed this graves phenomenon to us. A solitary elder needs to face many difficulties that we have never imaged. From dancing alone in the living room, cooking for themselves, rescuing themselves even there are accidents. All these problems can harm the senior citizens, not only in physical condition, but mental one. This harms our elders, mirroring our failure on morality and education.

Inadequate welfare is another sorrow that the elders are facing. The only welfare that can really support their lives is the old age allowance. HK$1035 is provided by the government every month in order to acknowledge our adoration to the senior citizen. Nevertheless, as the problem of solitary elders intensified this allowance becomes a mainstay to the old to live. A strong contrast when we compare the

situation in Hong Kong and Sweden. The Swedish Government provides sufficient welfare to the elders. The expenditure on creating a barrier-free-environment is unlimited. It reveals that the Swedish Government is unlimited. It reveals that the Swedish Government has spared no pains on caring the old. When we take a closer look at the content of Hong Kong’s old age allowance, we will find that it is of no sufficiency for an elder to live. A breakfast in a restaurant costs 20 dollars food from the market cost 30 dollars. Transportation costs 10 dollars per day. There are still costs that are not included. However, the elder is only able to spend 30 dollars daily. What a hard life they have!

Pampering the elderly with love and care, we, both government and citizens should uphold the following ideas to lift the living standard of the old. The government can channel more and more resources to the elderly. The amount of the allowance on elderly should be expanded. The government can refer to the elderly policy of Sweden. Infinite fund should be provided to create a barrier-free-environment. Removal of bath and replacement of shower, installation of handrails beside toilet, these facilities can escalate the home safety. We, as citizens, should shoulder our duty to give our concern to the elders, especially the solitary elders. We can visit our neighbor and comprehend what they need. We can cook meals, prepare the requisite medicine, and dispose the waste for them. To us, we just lift a finger, but a staggering appreciation from the old.

The government tries to “help” the family to take care of the elders, rather than “replace” the family to take care of the elders. No matter how much the government or the community does if their children refuse to shoulder their own responsibility, all what we done is zero. As a son or daughter, we should always be grateful to our parents for providing love and care when he are still kids. It is time for us to repay our pampered elder to show them with love and care.

'Growing Together’ Pilot Project

Give thanks! We have joined the ‘Growing Together’ pilot project organised by the British Chamber of Commerce and HSBC. With their help, we will build a micro-garden and learn more about environmental sustainability through organic plant cultivation on campus. We will also share our yields and experience with students of our partnership school, Renaissance College, and other schools (e.g. St. Paul’s Convent School).

Below are the students who have joined this flagship programme:

1D 15 SIU WAI CHING
2C 05 CHU WAI FONG
2D 07 KOO MEI SHAN
2D 05 CHU CHEUK YING BERYL
2D 01 CHAN TSZ MAN
2D 06 HSIE KA MEI MAY
3A 06 CHUNG WAI YEE
3B 24 FUNG LEE MING
3B 08 KWONG WAN TUNG NATALIE
4A 06 HO MAN YING
4A 09 TANG SIN YEE
4B 31 HUNG SZELON
4B 36 LEUNG CHI KIU
4B 12 NG KEI YAN
5A 37 WAN CHI CHUN IAN
5A 09 NG KA PO
5A 23 LAI YU SUM
5B 01 CHAN HO YING
5B 26 LAU PAK HEI
5B 33 PUN TAK KONG
5C 02 CHAN PUI WING
5D 10 LEE KA PO